im attempting to assemble a camp of first timers who are also on their own...not an official theme camp, just a group of people camping together. ill be posting our whereabouts monday morning at center camp, and ill be in touch with interested parties just prior to my leaving town and heading down there. you're more than welcome to join us, as there is a pretty good interest in it there should be a bunch of us! PM me if you have any ?'s. im doing the same thing, coming down all by my lonesome for my first burn. should be interesting to say the least!

look for the Loner Virgin thread...im not sure how to get the link in here and i forgot where it was anyways lol

The lonely virgin camp is a terrific idea it makes me very happy to see someone coordinating it. Of course you will be surrounded by many veteran burners who will help you out if you need anything. Just ask!
Welcome to the community!

My first burn was solo in 02 and stayed in my wifes Jeep Cherokee. I arrived late Friday and while driving around trying to find a camping spot, I had three offers to join others. Wish I took one of them up. Got aquainted with some of my neighbors. Second time was in 04. My wife and I went in her Cherokee. We arrived Wedensday afternoon. That time the first person that asked us to join them, we did. We joined them and had a great time. This year I'm going solo and taking my p/u truck with a shell to have more room. I'll join anybody who asks me this year. You should have a great time, but use common sence. If you camp alone, try getting to your neighbors and lock things up when you tour the city and playa. Lock your bike if you leave it parked.

A really, REALLY good way to interact with fellow burners and be practically guaranteed to have a positive experience is to volunteer with one or more of the many, many groups that thrive on enthusiastic newcomers. Check out the long list with descriptions, linked to the main page. Or just approach places like The Artery, Lamplighters or Media Mecca on-playa. They won't bite. Welcome, and have fun!

[quote="robotland"]A really, REALLY good way to interact with fellow burners and be practically guaranteed to have a positive experience is to volunteer with one or more of the many, many groups that thrive on enthusiastic newcomers. Check out the long list with descriptions, linked to the main page. Or just approach places like The Artery, Lamplighters or Media Mecca on-playa. They won't bite. Welcome, and have fun![/quote] Robotland hit the nail on the head. Volunteer! Did'nt do that the first two times but this year I'm going to lok up the recycle camp.

The first time i went in '00 i went with my roomates and we ended up taking in these two guys from NY who were beyond unprepared, the second time in '03 i went alone....i had a great experiance for the most part but for me the whole burn just seemed a lil off that year...this year im going with my two brothers twazed and were gonna take over the playa...if your looking for a spot to chill for a day or the whole week stop by camp de la twazed we make u feel at home.

i am going with one other virgin and my bro iTwazed, a vet. I think you should try to connect up with as many vets a possible and pick their brain. they always have good ideas, and sarcasm is a byproduct.

Loner Virgin is a good idea, except I'd prefer the attitude of "solo" vs. "loner"

All you have to do to avoid being lonely on the playa is that principle of "participate." Volunteer, help your neighbors, take classes. Talk to strangers.

There are all types on the playa, and most folks respect differences - they really aren't there to judge your experience, but to have their own. While you sound like you are a little less likely to fit in with, say, Death Guild or the DPW crew, well maybe you'll find the healer-yoga crowd more to your flavor, or the aternative energy folks, or ballroom dancers, or who knows.

There is something about you that made you want to go to the playa. Start with visiting the camps that match that spirit and explore from there. As long as your heart is open, you will find what you were looking for and what you didn't know you were looking for.

Burning Man is about being part of a community. Unfortunately, it's a community of people who can't get up before 1 p.m. - The Onion

The crowd is so diverse that just about everyone finds people they don't get along with and people they do. Try new things or do things you know you enjoy. Sure if you want to surround yourself by the people you don't get along with, you can have a bad time, but there is so much there most people should have no problem finding places they fit in.

can't wait to feel neveda sand on my feet or up my nose or whereever it goes....

It'll go everywhere. Also keep in mind the ground chews up peoples feet. I have been told it is the basic (as opposed to acidic) nature of the dust. People do vinegar washes to try to counteract the base and save their feet if they go barefoot.

My first burn too! Taking my 16 year old daughter, but plan to meet up there with a friend of hers that went last year ( a strapping boy, so I've got some man power to help set up camp!) A few others are going in separate vehicles, so I'm hoping we can drive in together or at least know everyone's whereabouts they are so we're close. I'm excited, but a bit nervous - mom out there on the playa settin' up the Monkey Hut! Woot Woot! Like I tell my friends (who think I'm crazy...) I'll either come back saying "What the HELL was I thinking??" or "Holy crap, can't wait till next year!!"

hi friends....I have been enjoying reading about how people are feeling about their first burn, my husband and I are going this year for the first time and we are thrilled. I have been so busy getting prepared that I forget that I am scared. All of the vets I have talked to seem so welcoming, its great. I am working and camping with my uncle David on the temple crew and have been picking the brains of all of the vets on the crew....from what I hear, "solo" burners get adopted pretty quickly......check out the "lost penguin cafe"

ohh, I just met the "lamplighters" at our last work day and they said anyone can sign up any day to be a lamplighter.....you just sign up on their big white board in the morning for that evening.......I think we are going to do that....also, for volunteering, you can be a temple guardian.

1. Read all the first timer info on the board. Good tips.
2. Remember there will be lots of other virgins there.
3. Relax and enjoy each day as an amazing experience. I think meeting new people and experiencing it for the first time will be awesome for you.
4. No one will laugh at you. It is a very accepting environment. It's what I love about BM. You can be anything you want there.
5. Come and see me if you ever feel you need some TLC, I'm the girl bartender at Summer of Love. I'm a good listener!!!

I'm a Wandering Virgin myself. This will be my first year attending burning man. Originally I had planned on coming for the last few days of the event but something tells me that I'll have a better time if I go for the whole event.

I'll look for that Lonely Virgin page... I'm not really sure what to expect myself but I'm comin on my motorcycle. I wonder if there are any biker groups going that I could set up camp with?